By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ada Board of Education held its last meeting of 2023 on Thursday, December 28. There were no public comments at the meeting.

It was the final meeting of their terms for board members Amy Mullins, who has served the school district for eight years, and the third and last meeting for Matt Fisher, who was appointed to the board in October.

The board approved all action items including the treasurer’s report and Interim Superintendent Dennis Recker’s recommendations A-H, which included substitute teachers Margaret Gordon and Kayla Wince, and substitute custodian Hillary Buxton.

The board received updates from principals Dan Lee and Jeremy Clark, and from Superintendent Recker.

Lee reported that:

Over 420 family contacts were made during recent high school and middle school parent-teacher conferences. 

Seniors went on career exploration field trips to Precision Strip (metal processing) and Graphic Packaging Intl. in Kenton.

For the Dog Day pep rally on the last day before break, some 14 sponsors supported 80 prizes in a drawing that rewarded students for good behavior. 

The schools participated in a tabletop safety exercise simulating a cyber threat.

Clark reported that:

During the elementary school Christmas parties over 100 parents volunteered in the classrooms (5-6 per class).

Third grade fall test scores were dramatically improved following ISME (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education) training for K-2 teachers.

Recker reported on:

His interest in providing technical coursework for students who do not go to Apollo Career Center.

Staff support of the Liberty Township Park Board application for a $1.3M grant that will benefit facilities used for school athletics.

A draft of to-do and done lists, asking for board input.

The need to address chronic absenteeism, which is anything over 10%.

A board reorganization meeting was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8.